Windstar Cruises Mediterranean: 16 nights from Istanbul with Star Legend
May 3, 2027

Mykonos

Mykonos is an extremely fun and fascinating place, where the frenetic mix of vacationers, fashionistas and celebrities is magically subdued to the cubist charm of the old town.

Mykonos is famous for being a cosmopolitan destination among the Greek islands and widely recognized as one of the meccas of great tourism. It is one of the most touristy islands in the Aegean Sea. Mykonos tends to be extremely crowded with visitors in July and August. The best time to visit Mykonos is mid-May through June (early in the season, accommodation is much cheaper and it's not that hot), or from September to mid-October.

Kusadasi

Kusadasi is one of the main tourist centers of Turkey and offers an excellent environment for an unforgettable holiday.

Located on the west coast of Turkey, 90km south of Izmir, Kusadasi, is reputed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Aegean Sea, as it is close to important historical sites including Ephesus, Didima, Priene, Miletus and is ideal for tourists. Numerous beaches of fine sand with warm and clear waters, offer a peaceful atmosphere, allow a great variety of services in the water and on the beach. Windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, and beach volleyball are just some of the choices for lovers of dynamism. After the sun during the day, the city awaits superb sunsets. As the sun sets, the attractive cafes and restaurants across the palm-lined avenues fill with sounds and voices. It is a great pleasure to watch the comings and goings of boats and ships accompanied by the panoramic view of the sunset.

Bodrum

Begin your captivating cruise adventure from Bodrum, Turkey, a city where ancient history meets modern charm on the Aegean coast. From its iconic castle to its vibrant marina, Bodrum offers a stunning backdrop for your departure. Explore historical ruins and enjoy the lively atmosphere before embarking on a journey to discover sun-drenched islands and historical sites of the Aegean and Mediterranean.

Santorini

Santorini is a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands located in the southern Aegean Sea, about 200 km southeast of mainland Greece.

Santorini is located in the southern part of the Cyclades.Its special geological configuration gives a spectacular, wild and unique beauty, becoming one of the main tourist destinations in Europe.
The current crescent shape of Santorini is a consequence of the enormous volcanic explosion that destroyed much of the island causing the formation of the caldera present on the territory, inside which form a series of wonderful small islands.
The island is a sanctuary of peace and calm, an idyllic corner where tourists from all over the world enjoy a few moments of pleasant relaxation. However, the quiet Santorini is, at the same time, one of the most suggestive and festive places in Greece. The square in the center of Fira and the beaches of Kamari, Perivolos and Perissa are the most lively and fashionable places.
The volcanic beaches of Santorini are not the best known in Greece, but they stand out for their diversity, their unique charm and the unique colors of the sand and stones. Santorini offers a spectacular view of the city, eclectic cuisine, enchanting art galleries, a very fun nightlife and excellent wines.

Itea

Corinto

Athens

For many, Athens is a city lived two thousand five hundred years ago. Symbol is the mighty Acropolis which dominates almost every view and itinerary of every visitor, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, stands above the city, watching the sprawling modern metropolis in evolution.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city where antiquity and modernity, history and contemporary culture blend in a unique way. Everyone knows that the name of the city derives from the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and justice. However, few people actually know the legend behind this event. According to myth, Athena and Poseidon, the God of the seas, vied for the right to name the city. Poseidon, to impress the inhabitants, gave them water, while Athena gave them an olive branch.

At first the choice fell on Poseidon, since the citizens considered water the most precious gift. When, once they tasted the water, they discovered that it was salty and not drinkable, they changed their minds and recognized Athena as their patron. One of the most famous historical sites in the city is the Acropolis, a majestic hill topped by ancient Doric temples, including the Parthenon, built in 477 BC. and the Erechtheion, built between 421 and 406 BC. Climbing the Acropolis, tourists can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the Aegean Sea. However, Athens is not only history, but also a lively cultural capital. In the Plaka district, located at the foot of the Acropolis, it is possible to stroll through the welcoming streets, visit the traditional Greek taverns and enjoy the authentic atmosphere.

Then there are the numerous cultural activities offered by the numerous museums, galleries and theaters present in the city. Athens is an important port for cruise ships that offer trips to the Mediterranean and beyond. Cruises from Athens allow guests to explore the rich cultural heritage of Greece, including the islands of Crete, Santorini and Mykonos, where you can admire the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and a coast of white houses.

In addition to the Greek islands, cruises from Athens also offer the opportunity to visit other exciting Mediterranean destinations, including historic cities in Italy, Croatia and Turkey. Athens is therefore not only the historical and cultural center of Greece, but also an important starting point for cruises in the Mediterranean, which offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the great history and splendid landscapes of this unique region.

Many still think of Athens as an ancient city that thrived two and a half thousand years ago. Its symbol is the mighty Acropolis, which dominates almost every view and the itinerary of every visitor, and it is crowned by the iconic Parthenon, which rises above the city, overlooking the sprawling and evolving modern metropolis.

Perhaps the most significant change is in the historical centre, which is almost unrecognisable since cars have been banned. This has liberated the area with the most significant archaeological sites, creating the longest, and undoubtedly one of the most splendid, pedestrianised zones in Europe. This huge archaeological park has brought past and present together, returning the cultural and social life of the city to the area around the ancient monuments and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Athens remains a city of contradictions; it is both frustrating and seductive. It is the oldest city in Europe, yet still in a state of transition. It is one of the safest and most vibrant European cities - an intoxicating mix of grunge and grace with an undeniably urban soul.

Corinto

Delphi

Fiskardo

Gallipoli

Taranto

Taranto is located in Apulia in southern Italy. The city lies at the base of the Salento peninsula and north of the Gulf of Taranto. The old part of the city occupies a small island that lies between the Mare Grande and the inner port (Mare Piccolo). The newer sections of the city are located on the adjacent mainland.

An important naval base, Taranto is also home to a large steelworks. Other industries include the canning and processing of products from the surrounding fertile plain and the production of chemicals, textiles and cement. There are oyster and mussel farming in the Mare Piccolo and fishing with the ebb of the tide.

An important naval base, Taranto is also home to a large steel mill. Other industries include the canning and processing of products from the fertile surrounding plain and the production of chemicals, textiles and cement.
There is the cultivation of oysters and mussels in the Mare Piccolo and fishing with the ebb and flow of the tide.

Giardini-Naxos

Giardini-Naxos (Giaddini or Giaddina in Sicilian) is an Italian municipality in the province of Messina in Sicily. Formerly called Nasso, it is 40 km from Messina and 39 km from Catania. In 1978, "Naxos" was added to the old name of the town ("Giardini").

Reggio Calabria

Reggio Calabria, or more precisely Reggio di Calabria, is a port city in southern Italy, the capital of the province, near the Strait of Messina, opposite Sicily. It has a dissolute air so characteristic of ports, as well as an impressive and suggestive waterfront. Its cliffs and sandy beaches with crystal clear waters are very characteristic. Thanks to its pleasant climate, it is possible to visit the area all year round. Reggio Calabria is a land rich in Mediterranean scents, colors and flavors.

Reggio Calabria is located in the heart of the Mediterranean, between the sea, which tempers the temperatures, and the mountains. It borders the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, the Ionian Sea to the south and east, and the province of Catanzaro to the north. The country has the highest population density in the region.
The territory is characterized by its long coastline and its nearby mountains. In fact, on the beach, in the bathing establishments located on the Falcomatà waterfront, it is possible to reach the mountains of Aspromonte.
The area is distinguished by the dense chestnut, oak and white fir forests, beeches, in rotation with olive and vine cultivation, ancient streams covered with brooms, ferns, strawberry trees, myrtles, prickly pears and oleanders. The coast, between Villa S. Giovanni and Gioiosa Ionica, is the most suitable natural habitat for growing bergamot.

Beyond the private beaches, along the coast, you will find the Zerbi municipal lido, home to many shows, performances and exhibitions. This lido in particular also hosts the splendid Nervi tower, a circular architectural structure designed by the architect Pier Luigi Nervi.
In Reggio Calabria you will find two famous universities: the "Mediterranea" (founded in 1968) and the "Dante Alighieri" (founded in 1984), as well as one of the most important national archaeological museums in Italy, where the famous Bronzes of Riace are exhibited, which have become a symbol of the city, the Cathedral, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1908, and the remains of the 16th century castle.
Finally, the Gioia Tauro area has a great assortment of evocative landscapes and is popular for its typical production of clementines. The plain includes very fertile land, thanks to the reclamation undertaken by the Marquis Vito Nunziante which took place in 1818 and preserved in the following decades.

Sorrento

According to a Greek legend, it was in the waters of Sorrento that the mythical Sirens once lived. Like them, this location is able to bewitch its visitors.

Dating back to Greek times, Sorrento's strong point is its fabulous location. Straddling cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Naples and Vesuvius, it is ideally located for exploring the surrounding areas: the best of the uncontaminated countryside, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and the archaeological sites and the fabulous island of Capri.

Civitavecchia

The port town of Civitavecchia is about an hour away from the Italian capital and is where ships will dock before bringing lucky holidaymakers into the city of Rome. It is an important port for cruise ships and ferries, connecting to Corsica, Sardinia and Barcelona. Civitavecchia is a town in the heart of Lazio. It is a small, sleepy town that overlooks the sea from behind the busy and chaotic commercial port.

Spreading out along the coast, the town is situated between the Mignon river to the north and the Marangone river to the south.
Civitavecchia is a port town in the heart of Italy, in the province of Rome, 80 kilometres northwest of the capital.

It is shrouded in art and history, and is rich in bays and coves with sandy and rocky beaches. Today the town is the departure point for many cruises and journeys around the Mediterranean. It is an excellent tourist destination where you can simply enjoy 'la dolce vita' or visit the amazing historical monuments. On a level with the majestic ancient capital, in terms of its monuments, gardens, villas and works of art, it also gives you easy access to the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Terme della Ficoncella, and the Etruscan ruins.

Civitavecchia will guarantee you an original and enchanting experience.